• AT THE recent Preston Village Hall Management Committee Annual General Meeting, Chairman Terry Marsden presented his report for the year 2007/2008.

"During the year it has been necessary to have repairs carried out to the flat roof of the extension, covering the area of the toilets, foyer and small meeting room. After many years of patching it up it was agreed to invest in a fibreglass roofing material. This work, with a minimum of a twenty year guarantee, should prevent more leaks and eradicate the possibility of water getting into the electrics.

The Committee has agreed to raise the hall rental fees this year to bring them more in line with other community halls but they recognise the good work that some of the regular users of the hall do for the community and those groups will still benefit from lower rates.

The Committee are aware that costs for building repairs and improvements are forever increasing and it is with that in mind that they are holding a fund raising Quiz Night evening to meet a target of £3000 in order for the front of the lounge to be replaced with UPVC windows and cladding. A community garden party last summer was a tremendous success and it involved Preston Village Hall, along with other local halls and profits were split resulting some funds being made available towards this project.

The past year has seen two new officers, Barbara Clements as Treasurer and Julie Pardo as Secretary. Without these volunteers the management of the hall would falter and it is to their credit that they are committed to this as well as keeping up their day jobs.

Another stalwart of the committee is Jean Hayter the bookings secretary, and with her unstinting commitment, the village hall continues to function well. Jean, having served for over twenty five years, was presented with a certificate and flowers at a recent Management Committee meeting to show their appreciation.

The hall is being used in the main by members of the local community and this is pleasing to see as the facilities were originally provided with that in mind. The rental of the hall by large groups for events like wedding receptions, dances, and parties continues and it is the size of the hall and its good condition, together with the kitchen facilities and parking that attract these bookings. Once again, the years come and go and different generations have used the village hall for pleasure, enjoyment and all kinds of exercise.

My thanks go to the Committee who support the running of the hall and I would personally like to invite any member of the local community who might have a little time to spare to contact me with a view to supporting the Committee's work."

The treasurer's report followed, which showed healthy figures, with considerable reductions in running costs over the year. The chairman, secretary and treasurer were re-elected and the following were elected as committee members: Carole Daley (vice chairman), Kane Comben, Tim Moss, Jean Haytor and Margaret Woodall.